Meet Ryan Woo | Cinematographer/Photographer/Editor/Drone Pilot

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ryan Woo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ryan, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Growing up, I was never sure on what I wanted to be, and I’m sure many other people can relate to that. In my early schooling days, I thought about becoming a scientist, maybe something with paleontology or marine biology; But that dream quickly faded when I realized my school grades would never reach the adequate level needed to become a scientist. Because after all, you need to be smart to become a scientist, right? At least that’s where my mind was back then.

After feeling like I might not be smart enough for science, in 2016 I decided to commit to filmmaking and the arts related to it. My last entire 8 years was dedicating myself into learning the artform and all its aspects there was to offer. Even after all this time I still wouldn’t consider myself an expert in the field because of how vast it is; And that is what motivates me. After all, if you look at the credits of a movie there’s a reason so many people work on a film. There is so much to learn with filmmaking that the possibilities seem endless.

Even with all this filmmaking experience and my enjoyment in the field, I’d say I’m still unsure what I want to be when I grow up, just to be safe. Why stick to learning one field when you can learn multiple?

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My work has evolved significantly over the past 10 years. The great thing about not knowing anything about a subject is that you can only get better from there. I try to practice that mentality when I encounter or begin to learn something new. And because of this, I end up learning all aspects of filmmaking rather than staying hard committed to one division.

I started with video editing, which then led to learning visual effects. Then cinematography took hold, which then led into photography. I remained with photography and cinematography for a long time which directed me into a new passion for documentaries. This began a new phase of learning how to produce and direct, roles which I used to actively avoid. As of recently I took an interest in drone cinematography, more specifically FPV drone work which I can safely say, sets me very far apart from other filmmakers.

The extreme skill curve needed to operate an FPV drone in acro mode is the ultimate barrier as to why people abandon the interest. However, investing all my time into learning about building drones, configuring, operating, and repairing them has proven my persistence. Imagine, there’s a shot that needs to be captured and it requires me to fly indoors in close proximity to objects all while staying locked, tracking the subject in frame. Of course there’s risk in crashing, but the commitment in getting the shot is what keeps me rebuilding and getting back in the air. My background expertise in filmmaking has allowed me to utilize FPV drones to capture immersive cinematic footage that wouldn’t be possible 6 years ago.

So as of now, in 2024, I am not just your cinematographer, I am also your editor, your photographer, your drone pilot, your producer, VFX artist, gaffer, first AC, director, logistics coordinator… The roles are endless.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting, let’s say it’s Gabe, I would take him to all the hiking spots around the area. Back when I used to live in the California Bay Area, Gabe and I would hike so many trails. I used to not be that much of an outdoors person, but Gabe has since then changed that. Now that I live in Maryland, there are so many trails I want to take him on. And with my new form drive for flying FPV drones, I can experience hiking not just limited to the ground, but from the air as well.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
To just name one person that has provided support and love for me and my work would almost feel criminal. There are so many people across each project that have provided at least some sort of support, whether emotionally or physically, that I’d want to honor.

But If I did have to boil it down to one person, it would have to be one of my best friends, Gabe. Although he pivoted his career into a different direction, we were both cut from the same cloth through our love of filmmaking. Regardless, he still provides the best forms of support I could ever ask for. There is something to be said about empathy and respecting the complexities that go into creation, and not just art but all other forms or mediums. Gabe understands my work not just on a surface level of “congrats” or “good job” but rather on an empathetic level deep rooted in respect and honor. He will always have my back without a second of doubt and for that, he is my choice.

Website: https://www.innerwoostudios.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innerwoo_studios/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@innerwoostudios8329/videos

Image Credits
Sadeq Alkhoori, Ryan Woo